A £300 monthly budget for your car is a great starting point, giving you the choice of a good few brand-new cars. But, like any budget, you’ll get much more for your money by buying used.
Sure enough, some of these cars will make your neighbours think you’ve spent a lot more than you actually have. You’ll find high-end petrol, hybrid and electric options, as well as hot hatchbacks and fantastic family SUVs for your budget.
For even more options, browse our wide range of cars under £300 per month or our selection of cars for £299 or less with a £299 deposit.
Hyundai Tucson
Not content to be an 'also-ran', the Hyundai Tucson has some of the boldest styling in the family SUV class to stand out. It's not just an eye-catching face either, with a super-spacious cabin that has enough room for six-footers to fully stretch out, plus plenty of boot space. There are pin-sharp screens for the centre infotainment system and the driver's dials, and all cars come very well equipped from the factory. All engines have enough grunt to move the Tucson weight around easily, and you'll find fuel-sipping full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines further up the range.
If you're comparing the Hyundai Tucson against the Kia Sportage, you'll typically find that the Hyundai is cheaper as a used car but just as talented.
Shop used Hyundai Tucson cars for sale or read our Hyundai Tucson review
Ford Kuga
If you want a practical car that still handles nicely, get yourself a Ford Kuga. It’s probably the best midsize SUV to drive, with direct steering and eager engines – and there’s also a hybrid version that squeezes into this budget at the time of writing. But the Kuga also does the family stuff well, with lots of rear-seat space and a boot that’s usefully larger than the Focus hatchback.
While you can get an entry-level Kuga for closer to £250 a month, spending that little bit extra gets you a huge choice of versions and lower-mileage cars. Titanium has all the kit covered – there’s a reversing camera, a digital dashboard, multi-zone climate control and a fancy B&O sound system.
Shop used Ford Kuga cars for sale or read our Ford Kuga review
Cupra Formentor
The Cupra Formentor might be based on the same platform as the VW Golf and Skoda Octavia, but it hides it well with eye-catching looks and nimble handling. It manages to feel rewarding and stable at the same time, and relishes darty back roads just as much as motorway cruising. The Formentor is peppered with copper touches inside and out, which gives the car a premium and contemporary feel. Despite its sleek shape, there's plenty of passenger space and a big boot, so it does the sensible stuff well.
Shop used Cupra Formentor cars for sale or read our Cupra Formentor review
Kia Niro
Sports cars don’t get everyone’s juices flowing so, if you’d rather push yourself to get the best possible fuel economy, the Kia Niro is a top choice. Kia says it’ll do 64mpg, which is pretty impressive given that the Niro is an SUV with space for your family and friends. Every Niro has an electric motor, an automatic gearbox and an allergy to using lots of petrol – your choice is hybrid, plug-in hybrid or full electric.
The Niro has been thoroughly developed to be easy to live with. It drives obediently, it’s quiet and comfortable, has the balance of a seven-year warranty and lots of equipment to take the boredom away – including adaptive cruise control, digital dials and Apple CarPlay.
Shop used Kia Niro cars for sale
Renault Megane E-Tech
You’re spoiled for choice if you want an electric hatchback, with lots of talented options to pick. But because the Megane E-Tech has been around a little longer than the likes of the Kia EV3 and Skoda Elroq, there are more on the used market and – importantly – some within our budget. The Megane E-Tech is a fantastic choice, with around 250 miles of range, a superb Google-based infotainment system with joined-up navigation, chic styling and a large boot.
The driving experience is lovely, too, offering a great mix of comfort and keen handling. It’s faster than most petrol or diesel alternatives, too.
Shop used Renault Megane E-Tech cars for sale or read our Renault Megane E-Tech review
Mazda CX-5
You might’ve considered the usual midsize SUV suspects, but go a bit left-field and there are still some gems to be found. The Mazda CX-5 should be on your list if you don’t quite fancy a Tiguan or Tucson, with its athletic styling, family-friendly practicality and an interior that boasts the same sort of quality you get in an Audi or BMW.
The CX-5 offers pretty decent value for money as well – you’ll get more equipment in a Mazda than in many rivals. And everything’s wrapped up in an interior that’s a delight to use and easy to get on with.
Shop used Mazda CX-5 cars for sale or read our Mazda CX-5 review
Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan is the absolute do-it-all family SUV. It’s not the cheapest, but it feels like good value and you’re definitely getting what you pay for – namely premium materials that are screwed well together, a huge amount of space and economical engines. The Tiguan also exudes confidence from behind the wheel, whether you’re flying down the motorway or treading carefully through unsighted country lanes.
If you end up with a Tiguan in entry-level Life trim, you’ll get a hotlist of equipment including LED headlights, parking sensors at each end and adaptive cruise control. Either of the 150hp engines – diesel or petrol – are strong choices for powering the Tiguan.
Shop used Volkswagen Tiguan cars for sale or read our review of the 2016-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
Mercedes CLA
The Mercedes CLA looks stylish and expensive, yet you can nab a used example for similar money to an Audi A1 or Toyota Yaris. There’s a big touchscreen as standard, and a superb-looking interior that oozes premium appeal. The promise of 45mpg from the CLA 200 petrol engine means this is one Merc that won’t cost a lot to run. This shape of CLA only comes with an easy automatic gearbox, which adds to the posh feel.
Shop used Mercedes CLA cars for sale or read our Mercedes CLA review
Citroen C3
You might not expect the compact Citroen C3 to occupy a place on this list, but these are the new-shape cars that are just a few months old and have barely any miles on the clock. If you want a C3 but can't wait for one to come out of the factory, these look and feel new – but you're saving several thousand pounds and you can pick these up immediately. Pick from a familiar petrol engine or a fully electric version with low running costs and nearly 200 miles of range.
Shop used Citroen C3 cars for sale
Toyota Yaris Cross
While the standard Yaris has plenty of plus points, practicality isn’t one – it’s a bit tight in the back and the boot could be bigger. Addressing both of those drawbacks is the Toyota Yaris Cross, which also gains a higher ride height and 4x4-inspired styling. That’s every box in small SUV bingo ticked. The Yaris Cross isn’t finished impressing you, though – it’s even possible to see more than 70mpg around town, and rides nicely over typically British roads.
Shop used Toyota Yaris Cross cars for sale or read our Toyota Yaris Cross review
Read our top picks for other monthly budgets
- 10 of the best cars for under £150 per month
- 10 of the best cars for under £200 per month
- 10 of the best cars for under £250 per month
- 10 of the best cars for under £400 per month
Affordable finance on used cars
Check out Motorpoint's huge selection of nearly new and used cars, all with a range of flexible finance options.
